PISTON, jeepney drivers rally against deadline of consolidation

April 30, 2024

Jeepney drivers and operators hold signages to protest the deadline of jeepney consolidation at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila on Monday, April 29. (Photo by Keonna Mikaela Atienza/The Manila Warden)

Various transport groups and jeepney drivers called for delaying the deadline and pleaded for rehabilitation than consolidation of traditional jeepneys for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.

Led by Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), the three-day strike from April 29 to May 1 served as the last card for unconsolidated jeepney drivers and operators for the April 30 deadline to be part of cooperatives and corporations.

“Dapat i-consider ng gobyerno hindi naman kami sangga sa modernization, i-rehabilitate lang natin yung mga traditional jeep. Kung gusto nakatayo yung pasahero kung bago siya sumakay o umupo, pwede naman i-rehabilitate lang ang ating mga traditional jeep at mapanatili yung tunay na itsura niya,” jeepney operator Jason Pahilabutan said.

A modern jeepney would require jeepney drivers and/or operators to put up as much as P2.8 million to purchase it, begging the question if the April consolidation deadline was enough.

“Kaya mga kasama, tayo’y itutuloy ang laban dahil sa darating na Mayo uno, lahat tayo pwede magsalita kung ano ang nasa sa loob na’tin. Huwag tayo magbulag-bulagan sa nakikita na’tin. Huwag tayo maging pipe, ilabas na’tin ang tapang na’tin,” An unknown speaker said.

Franchise revocation

Meanwhile, jeepney drivers stood their ground on opposing the government’s decision to revoke their five-year franchise after the consolidation deadline, saying that such action is illegal under the Republic Act 4136, also known as the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code.”

“Alam naman nila na ang prangkisa namin ay nasa republic act 4136 ito, at may kaakibat na batas hindi naman namin inaameyendahan yung batas na yun, pero ang ginagawa nila ay sobrang pang gigipit sa hanay naming mga operator,” Jason Pahilabutan said.

On April 29, jeepney drivers and operators have submitted an amended petition to the Supreme Court, requesting to halt the government’s jeepney modernization program, including the April 30 consolidation deadline for jeepney operators and drivers.

Teody Permejo, a transport leader on the Alabang to Pasay route, said even after the consolidation deadline, they will continue to ply their routes as the Land Transportation Franchises and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) gave them a 15-day leeway after the consolidation deadline.

“Patuloy pa rin po yung aming pag bi-biyahe gaya ng nasabi, dahil pauna ng nabanggit kanina ni undersecretary Andy Ortega ng LTFRB na hindi muna sila mag papahuli, hindi sila gagamit ng dahas, at tuloy tuloy parin makaka biyahe habang pinoprocess yung mga naka pending na dialogue,” Permejo said.

LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said in a DZBB interview on Monday, April 29, if unconsolidated jeepneys persist to operate their vehicles after the leeway, they have no choice but to enforce policies.

“Ang utos ko sa LTFRB ngayon, initially, during the first 15 days, sawayin muna yung mga tao, bigyan ng reminder. Hindi naman po kaagad-agad. But kung bumabiyahe parin yan kahit nasabihan na po, karapatan na ng estado na ipatupad yung batas,” Teofilo said in the interview.

Penalties include a P50,000 fine along with a one-year suspension for drivers and impoundment.

- Hazel Francine Historia & Christian Querol